This extensive interview delves into the mind of Christopher Ortiz, creator of the critically acclaimed VA-11 Hall-A, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of his upcoming title, .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND. Ortiz discusses the unexpected success of VA-11 Hall-A, its merchandise, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing the game to various platforms. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of Sukeban Games, the creative process behind VA-11 Hall-A's memorable characters and soundtrack, and Ortiz's inspirations, including the profound influence of Suda51 and The Silver Case.
The interview reveals Ortiz's artistic approach, emphasizing the importance of organic creative flow over rigid formulas. He shares anecdotes about the development process, highlighting both the exhilarating highs and the demoralizing setbacks. The discussion extensively covers .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, its visual style, gameplay mechanics, and the team's creative journey. Ortiz explains the game's inspirations, drawing parallels to Vagrant Story and emphasizing the unique "South American Cyberpunk" aesthetic.
He details the team's collaborative efforts, including the contributions of MerengeDoll and composer Juneji, and reveals the challenges of managing expectations amidst the anticipation surrounding the new game. The interview also explores Ortiz's personal life, his experiences in Argentina, and his perspectives on the current state of indie game development. He expresses his admiration for Suda51 and The Silver Case, highlighting the impact of its unique visual style and narrative structure on his own work.
The interview concludes with a discussion of Ortiz's favorite aspects of .45 PARABELLUM BLOODHOUND, his thoughts on the current indie game landscape, and his personal preferences, including a detailed description of his preferred coffee. The conversation is punctuated by insightful reflections on creativity, cultural influences, and the challenges and rewards of independent game development.
